Hi everyone, May has been full of momentum as we launched our Grow National: Ripe & Ready program in its new, more flexible format — helping members access support that fits their business stage and pace. We’re also gearing up for the joint Meet the Makers and Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry event with more ways to showcase our incredible producers.
One of the true highlights this month was our collaborative event with Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network and Manufacturing and Excellence Forum — Meet the Female Makers – Cash Flow Workshop + Soiree. What an unforgettable day celebrating powerhouse women and local businesses! A huge thank you to Chelsea Ford for her inspiring and practical session on cash flow, and to our incredible panel of guest speakers; Heidi Walker, Jade King and Kylie Farrelly and our female food and beverage exhibitors who brought their stories, passion, and products to life. Your energy and generosity made it a truly special event.
Thank you for being part of FAN. Together, we’re building a thriving, values-led network that supports our local industry and each other.
Warm regards,
Nicole
Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO
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Grow National: Ripe & Ready
Grow National 2025 – Workshop series – REGISTER NOW!
Ripe & Ready is FAN’s, in-person program designed for established food, beverage, and agribusinesses ready to scale. From streamlining production to preparing for export, this hands-on program gives you access to industry experts, tailored support, and powerful connections to help take your business to the next level.
Our next three, not-to-be-missed workshops are:
1. Food Industry Leaders Toolkit – To lead effectively in food and beverage manufacturing, technical skills aren’t enough. This interactive workshop will equip you with tools to better manage both yourself and your team, helping to retain top talent.
2. Reducing Costs in Food & Beverage Manufacturing – A practical workshop designed to provide your business with cost reduction strategies across materials, staffing, energy and transport. Alongside FaBA, FAN’s strategic accounting partner SRJ Walker Wayland are attending and contributing to this session.
3. Artificial Intelligence in the Food & Beverage Sector – Scaling with Technology and Enhancing the Customer Experience – Discover how AI is transforming F&B and potentially your business, from smart production to customer experience, in this hands-on workshop with UQ and CSIRO experts. Suitable for those businesses starting out, along with those much further along in their journey.
Workshops are open to both FAN and non-FAN Members.
For more information see here and to register for workshops see here.
This program is proudly supported by Turbine, Westpac, and AgriFutures Australia.
We kicked off Grow National 2025 with an ESG workshop in partnership with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). Participants gained practical tools to navigate sustainability reporting, carbon footprinting and social impact—future-proofing their businesses while unlocking value and efficiencies. A powerful start to a program helping food and beverage businesses grow with purpose.
FAN Events
Experiencing a touch of FAN FOMO?! Don’t miss these key events. Check out what’s happening and secure your spot.
Member Opportunities
We’ve made it easier to stay across what’s on offer. Our new Member Opportunities page brings together the latest EOIs, programs, events, and ways to get involved – curated especially for FAN members. Bookmark it and check back regularly to make the most of what’s happening across the network.
Upcoming Grants
Funding opportunities you need to know about – see what’s open and apply now..
Regional Food Directories
Get Listed on the Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory
Are you a local grower, primary producer or food & beverage manufacturer? Don’t miss your chance to be featured in the Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory—our go-to resource for sourcing local food. With The Curated Plate festival coming up, chef Peter Kuruvita is spotlighting local producers to industry using this directory. So now’s the perfect time to get listed or update your info.
Is your listing up-to-date?
Submit your listing for the Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory here.
FAN Member Resources
Stay up to date with the latest insights and practical tools to support your business. Check out our recent webinars featuring industry experts and FAN partners—designed to help you grow, connect, and build a more resilient and inclusive business..
In this practical and engaging session, FAN joins forces with grant-writing experts Successful Grants to help businesses get ‘grant ready’. Whether you’re new to funding applications or want to sharpen your strategy, this workshop breaks down what funders are looking for and how to position your business for success. With real-world insights, tips on financials, and a mock review of a grant application, you’ll leave better equipped to go after future opportunities.
Looking for more webinars, tools, templates and tips to support your business journey? FAN Connect and Commercial Members can access the full FAN Resource Centre via our member platform, WAVE.
Our Supporters
Special thanks to FAN’s Partners and Sponsors who provide significant resources towards the ongoing sustainability of FAN and the growth and resilience of our regions’ food and agribusiness industry.